Sabeel Wave of Prayer: Week of Dec. 23, 2024

To mark the 15th anniversary of the Kairos Palestine Document, Kairos Palestine released a “Call to our Palestinian people for Collective Actions, Steadfastness, Resilience, and Hope in the Face of Adversity.” The statement calls for Palestinian Christian unity in the Holy Land and reaffirmed the Palestinian steadfastness to remain on the land despite the years of displacement and amidst an ongoing genocide. The statement also highlights the critical importance of the Church’s role in Palestine, calling on the Church to be both a source of spiritual strength and a source of practical support and solidarity. 

Dear God, help us remain resolute in our steadfastness and resilience. Teach us new ways of being in solidarity with one another and with our neighbours. Renew the faith of our people and the Churches all over the world, that they may be instruments of your revolutionary love. Lord, as we struggle for justice, deliver us from the temptation of overcoming evil with evil. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

The United Nations documented 95 Israeli attacks on school buildings in Gaza between 6 October and 15 December. 61 of these attacks occurred in northern Gaza. Gaza’s schools are filled with hundreds of displaced people seeking shelter.

God, help us to not turn our eyes and hearts from the suffering of our brothers and sisters. We confess our inability to stop this genocide and for the numbness of this world that allows schools to be bombed and families to be forcefully separated.  Holy Spirit, bring comfort to the victims of oppression and strengthen our resolve to act in your liberatory love. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Last week, a deadly Israeli raid on the Balata refugee camp near Nablus killed 2 people including an 80 year old woman. Meanwhile, settlers continue wreaking havoc in many West Bank cities and towns. In the latest incident of settler violence, settlers set fire to the Bar al-Walidain mosque in the village of Marda and wrote hateful slogans like “death to Arabs” and “Revenge” on the walls.  

God of inclusivity, we cannot keep track of the crimes committed daily in the West Bank. We cry over Balata and Marda and all places in Palestine dealing with hate and sin. Lord, illuminate to the world that that the injustices committed in Palestinian refugee camps and places of worship are part of a larger system of settler colonial violence. Hold each person and system accountable and be with the persecuted. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

This Christmas, as the world celebrates with trees and gifts, we in Palestine continue a second Christmas forgoing the usual celebrations, instead facing occupation and settler colonial violence. Furthermore, Gaza’s Christian community, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world dating back to the time of Pentecost, continue to face an existential threat as genocide continues. They face a Christmas amidst endless massacres and death. 

Emmanuel, you who were born in a stable and made your home among the oppressed. May your light pierce the darkness of violence and despair. Strengthen us to be bearers of that light, standing in solidarity with all who yearn for liberation and hope. Grant us the courage to proclaim, as Mary did, your promise to lift up the humble, to fill the hungry with good things, and to bring down rulers from their thrones. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

Sabeel held its ecumenical Christmas dinner on Saturday, December 21st. The event brought together 150 members of the Christian community in Jerusalem to celebrate the birth of Jesus in an ecumenical spirit, despite ongoing suffering. Proceeds from the Christmas dinner were designated to support student funds in the city. The Christian community in Jerusalem celebrates Christmas on three different calendars: December 25th (Western calendar), January 6th (Eastern Orthodox calendar), and January 19th (Armenian Church).

 Loving God, we thank You for the joy of gathering in unity to celebrate the birth of Your Son, even amidst our challenges and pain. Bless the students who will benefit from this act of generosity, and may their paths be filled with hope and purpose. Unite all who follow You, across traditions and calendars, in the light of Christ’s love and peace.

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer 

We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the countries of Japan, North Korea, and South Korea. 

Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer